Peru Family Travel Itinerary: A 2-Week Adventure for Families
Trip Overview
- Duration: 14 Days
- Best Travel Season: Dry season (May – October) – Best for hiking, exploring Machu Picchu, and clear weather.
- Ideal For: Families who love history, culture, and nature
- Family-Friendliness: Excellent – Peru offers a mix of adventure and relaxation with family-friendly accommodations and activities.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Arrive in Lima & Explore the Capital
Stay: Miraflores or Barranco – Best neighborhoods for families.
Getting There: Fly into Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport).
✅ Highlights:
- Walk along the Malecón de Miraflores – Stunning coastal views & playgrounds.
- Visit Parque Kennedy – Great spot for kids to see friendly stray cats.
- Explore Huaca Pucllana – A pre-Incan archaeological site in the middle of the city.
- Try Peruvian cuisine – Kid-friendly dishes include Lomo Saltado and Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food).
Family Tip: Lima has Uber and safe taxis, making it easy to get around.
Days 3-5: Cusco & The Sacred Valley
Stay: Cusco for 1 night, then Ollantaytambo for 2 nights (better altitude adjustment for kids).
Getting There: Fly from Lima to Cusco (1.5 hours).
✅ Highlights:
- San Pedro Market – Try fresh juices and local snacks.
- Plaza de Armas & Cusco Cathedral – A must-visit for history lovers.
- Sacsayhuamán Ruins – Fun for kids to explore the giant Inca stones.
- Pisac Market & Ruins – Great for shopping souvenirs and easy hikes.
Family Tip: Cusco is at high altitude (3,400m). Drink coca tea and take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
Days 6-8: Machu Picchu – The Ultimate Family Adventure
Stay: Aguas Calientes – The closest town to Machu Picchu.
Getting There: Take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
✅ Highlights:
- Machu Picchu Tour – Choose a morning slot for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Mandor Waterfalls Hike – A short, family-friendly jungle walk.
- Butterfly House & Orchid Gardens – A fun break from sightseeing.
Family Tip: Kids under 8 enter Machu Picchu for free! Book tickets in advance.
Days 9-11: Adventure & Nature in the Amazon (Puerto Maldonado)
Stay: Eco-lodge in Tambopata National Reserve.
Getting There: Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (1-hour flight).
✅ Highlights:
- Boat trip on the Madre de Dios River – Spot caimans and monkeys.
- Lake Sandoval Canoeing – See giant river otters and exotic birds.
- Night jungle walk – Discover nocturnal creatures with a guide.
Family Tip: Pack lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and bug spray for the jungle.
Days 12-14: Beach Relaxation in Paracas & Islas Ballestas
Stay: Paracas – A coastal town with a desert-meets-ocean landscape.
Getting There: 4-hour bus ride from Lima (comfortable, kid-friendly buses available).
✅ Highlights:
- Islas Ballestas Boat Tour – See penguins, sea lions, and dolphins.
- Paracas National Reserve – Explore red sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.
- Dune Buggy Adventure in Huacachina – Thrilling rides and sandboarding.
Family Tip: The boat ride can be windy—bring jackets for kids.
Accommodation & Transport Tips
Best Family Stays:
- Miraflores/Barranco (Lima) – Coastal, safe, and walkable.
- Ollantaytambo – A quieter base for Machu Picchu.
- Eco-lodges in the Amazon – Offers nature experiences for kids.
Getting Around:
- Domestic flights are best for long distances (Lima → Cusco → Amazon).
- Buses (Cruz del Sur) are safe and comfortable for shorter trips.
- Taxis & Uber are available in cities.
Best Budget Tip:
- Buy a Boleto Turístico pass for discounted entry to multiple Cusco attractions.
- Eat at “menu del día” restaurants for cheap, delicious meals.
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: $50–$150 per night (budget to mid-range hotels).
Food: $5–$20 per meal (local restaurants offer great value).
Transport: Domestic flights $50–$150, buses $10–$30 per trip.
Activities: Machu Picchu entry $40 (adults), free for kids under 8.
How to Pack for a Family Trip to Peru
✅ Essentials: Passport, travel insurance, cash (some places don’t take cards).
✅ Clothing: Layers for Cusco & Machu Picchu, breathable outfits for the Amazon.
✅ Shoes: Hiking boots for trekking, sandals for the beach.
✅ Health & Safety: Altitude sickness tablets, bug spray, and sunblock.
🔗 Read More: Peru Packing Guide
Final Thoughts
Peru is a fantastic family-friendly destination with its mix of ancient history, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re hiking Machu Picchu, cruising the Amazon, or sandboarding in Huacachina, this itinerary ensures a balanced mix of exploration and relaxation for an unforgettable trip.
Modify for toddlers: Spend extra time in Lima & Paracas to reduce altitude concerns.
Modify for teens: Add adventure hikes like Rainbow Mountain or Colca Canyon.
Shorten itinerary: Focus on Cusco, Machu Picchu & Amazon for a 10-day trip.
Would you take your family to Peru? Let us know your thoughts below!
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